Cleaning Grout Lines to Look Like New
by Jessica Ackerman on Feb 12, 2010
Grout lines are often the arch enemy of a clean tile surface. They quickly collect dirt, can become discolored and, if painted, wear the color off in seemingly no time flat. Whether the tile is on a kitchen backsplash, floor, or counter, cleaning the dirty grout lines can be a chore, especially if the tile covers a large area. Thankfully, there are a few tried and true methods that work to clean grout lines to look like new.
Baking Soda Paste
This environmentally friendly, green cleaning method is a combination of simple, household baking soda and water. Mix 2 1/2 parts baking soda to 1 part water, stir, and create a paste. Spread the paste liberally on the dirty grout lines. Let it sit for about 30 minutes and then scrub the grout with a firm brush. Use a brush that has firm bristles, but those that are not made of metal. After scrubbing, wipe off the counter with a wet cloth to remove any baking soda paste residue. This method of cleaning grout lines usually works best with fresh stains that are relatively light in color.
Steam Cleaning
Although it may seem that steam cleaning is a new fad, it is a great way to clean a tile floor. The steam's pressure can break up stains and caked on particles that traditional methods of cleaning cannot. Steam cleaners work well on all tile surfaces and can often be found in hand-held versions for those hard to reach areas. Always be sure to use distilled water, as regular tap water can cause a build-up of calcium that will cause the steam cleaner to malfunction.
Commercial Cleaners
Commercial cleaners are another option for cleaning dirty grout lines. Shake-on powder cleaners can quickly mix up like baking soda paste and be applied in the same manner. Liquid or gel household cleaners can also make a difference when cleaning grout. Be careful, however, that the products being used do not contain bleach if they are being used on painted grout lines as this will cause them to fade and become discolored.
Professional Strength Cleaners
Most home improvement stores carry specialty, professional-grade tile grout cleaners. These harsh cleaners can quickly erode the grout after repeated use, so use with caution. If there are small children or pets in the home, be careful that the cleaner does not sit on the tile for too long, as the fumes may irritate sensitive eyes and noses. Scrub the tile grout with a stiff brush and be sure to thoroughly wipe the tiles down to remove any cleaner residue.
Cleaning grout lines to look like new is a time-consuming and tedious task. It requires patience and a great deal of time. For large jobs, try breaking the room into sections and work one section at a time. This way the project can be spaced out to accommodate the time available to complete it. Once the tile grout is clean, the room will sparkle and shine and feel like an entirely different space. Protect your clean grout lines by sealing the grout lines as soon as they are dry before they can become stained again. Sealant should be reapplied every two to four years. Targeting “DIY'ers,”
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
90187 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
71090 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
70478 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
49748 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
29513 Views
Latest Articles
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
![What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire? What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?](http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/uploads/a/admin/construction_47639__e04de.jpg)
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
How a Sump Pump Can Prevent Your Home from Being Flooded
Summer is in full swing now, and that means there is rain across the country – and plenty of it, too. If you are concerned about flooding,...
Things to Do Before Buying a Blind
Blinds and shades have been very popular these days. They are used for aesthetic and practical benefits. More and more individuals are so into them...
Faux Painting - Base Coat, Glaze and Ragging Technique
Ragging is a faux finish technique that uses a rag to produce a mottled decorative effect. Ragging can be done negatively where the rag is used to...
Preparing Your New Home for Move In
Purchasing a new house can be a momentous occasion for many people, so in order to make the transition into a new house just as exciting, you...
What You Need to Know about Vinyl Shake Siding
With benefits like low maintenance costs and excellent longevity, you would find Vinyl Cedar Shake Sidings increasingly finding favor with a lot of...